19th May Jumilla: ENGLISH LANGUAGE castle tour

Afterwards there’s time for a visit to one of the Bodegas for which Jumilla is so famous

The English language tour departs at 10:15 from the Tourist Information Office. Please note that no transpòrt is provided, so a vehicle is required. Cost 2.10 euros including Vat.

The Spanish language tours are at 10.15 and 11.30.Cost 2.10 euros including Vat.

Visit the Mediaeval castle in Jumilla after its recent restoration. The castle was built by one of the most powerful noblemen of his age during the 15th century and has now been returned to its former splendour, offering spectacular views out over not only the town itself, but also the vineyards for which this area is so famous.

The castle of Jumilla was built in 1461 by Juan Pacheco, the first Marquis of Villena, in order to defend the town and the surrounding countryside of which he had been put in charge 16 years previously. But the history of fortifications on the hill date from far further back, including a Bronze Age structure from between 3,000 and 4,000 years ago and Roman and Moorish fortresses.

Access to the castle on foot is by the “Camino del Subidor”, a restored path which was originally built by the Moors to provide access to the western side of the fortress. It joined the “hisn” (or fortified citadel) with the “medina” and “al-qasaba” at the top of the hill and the “arrabal” or lower districts, and now links Jumilla to its castle.

On 19th May there are two guided visits to the castle leaving from the tourist information office at 10:15 and 11.30 am, leaving time to visit one or two of the local bodegas afterwards and enjoy lunch in one of the many restaurants serving local dishes, accompanied by good Jumilla wine.

Places on the visit to the castle should be reserved via the Tourist Office.

Commentary is in Spanish on both tours and in ENGLISH on the first tour as well, but as with all these guided activities, the visit speaks for itself and leaflets are available in English from the tourist office.